CD Reviews

Okay, but nothing special

Steven Swain | Rocky Mount, VA USA | 05/29/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The mid-1980s was a time of major changes for R&B dynasty The Isley Brothers. After nearly 30 years in the business, the twin calamities of the breakup of the powerful 3+3 collaboration between younger and older Isleys (the younger siblings went on to form Isley-Jasper-Isley) and the passing of original member O'Kelly Isley left the group in a tailspin.

Now down to a duo, brothers Ronald and Rudolph soldiered on under The Isley Brothers name with a new heavily-synthesized sound that was largely written and produced by Angela Winbush, who was starting her successful solo career after the breakup of René & Angela (and eventually would marry Ronald).

One of the first results of Winbush and the Isleys' labor was the album "Smooth Sailin'." Though it was warmly received and spawned the hit "Smooth Sailin' Tonight," the release could almost be considered a step back for the group due to a certain blandness that permeates the album.

Though Winbush and the Isleys are immensely talented as individuals, the album is filled with somewhat warmed-over tracks best suited for René & Angela B-sides. The first four tracks are almost laughable, as the duo tries to capture the essence of contemporary music but fails miserably. Overproduction by Winbush and phoned-in vocals by the Isleys didn't help things. Even the tribute to O'Kelly Isley, "Send a Message" seems a bit boring, honoring a dynamic singer with a more or less forgettable track.

The last half of the album fares a lot better, with "Smooth Sailin' Tonight," "Somebody I Used To Know," "Come My Way," and "I Wish " finally certifying this as a serious Isley Brothers release with their moody, chord-heavy Quiet Storm-ready romance. If you buy this album, it will be for these tracks.

I can't recommend "Smooth Sailin' " to anyone but hard-core Isley fans that want to complete their collection. If you like the general direction the group was taking in the `80s and `90s, choose "Spend the Night" or "Mission to Please" first, because they are far and away better albums."

Not bad, but they've done a little better

Glen Zimmerman | West Bumblefuch, USA | 10/23/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It's not the greatest album they ever made, but this one still manages to meet the basic standards necessary to craft a listenable Isleys album, not to mention the pressure that they were probably under following the death of O'Kelly Isley after the release of their last album to that point. The silky-smooth voice of Ronald Isley beautifies the sensuous title track, and the funky "Everything Is Alright" was one of the best uptempo numbers they'd had in years."

Pretty Good Set

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 03/20/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"being a Fan from back in the day the Overall Production&Vibe of this Set has Some really Good Moments but I Wouldn't put this on there Must have Sets though.I give them Props for doing there thing after losing there Oldest Brother O'Kelly.also Considering they lost Chris Jasper they truly had to re-group&I think they did a Pretty Good Job here.Together with Angelia Winbush they bring a Tight Slow-Jam with "Smooth Sailin"."

Not typical Isley Brothers Style

10/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The title song, Smooth Sailing is very reminiscent of 70s and 80s
groove songs. The music takes me back to the disco era; I would
recommend it if you are a true Isley Brother fan. The title song
is worth whatever you pay. It's still played on slow jam radio shows. Don't expect the overfunk; these guys have grown up."